In England’s East Midlands, you’ll find the country of Derbyshire. This region offers a unique mix of landscapes, from windswept peaks to limestone plateaus and the famous Peak District National Park. Additionally, Derbyshire’s northern reaches overlap with The Pennines, a famous chain of rolling hills and mountains.

Derbyshire may feel like it’s a million miles from the smog and traffic of the city, but it’s actually only a two hour drive from central Manchester, making it an ideal getaway for city slickers and foreign travelers alike.

If you’re looking to spend the weekend relaxing in the untamed natural beauty of Derbyshire, you should consider booking one of the many Peak district cottages available in the area. You can enjoy the sprawling plains and plateaus on long, meandering walks and bike rides, or you can bet a little more adventurous and try hang gliding, rock climbing, or cycling.

On the south western edge of the Peak District National Park, you’ll find the town of Leek, perched near the River Churnet. The town itself is full of history and very old, and you can find Leek cottages with both historic and modern amenities to suit your needs. Originally a silk weaving town, many of the mills and older buildings have since been converted into shops, cafes, and restaurants. The surrounding area has some of the best gritstone rock climbing in the country.

Dovedale has some of the best hiking trails and climbing in the area and its limestone dales are some of the most picturesque and well known in Derbyshire. It’s recommended to stay a few nights in one of the Dovedale Cottages to fully enjoy everything that this area has to offer. The most popular hiking trail runs along The River Dove along which you’ll find the famous stepping stones, a series of large rocks that allow for a natural river crossing and an excellent photo op! A bit further upstream, you’ll find the unique limestone formations of The Twelve Apostles and Dovedale Castle.